Fact Or Myth: Lightning Strike Victims Carry A Charge

By Chris Spears

DENVER (CBS4) - Each year in Colorado roughly 500,000 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes are recorded and many of those are in or near the Front Range.

On average three people are killed and 13 others are injured in Colorado annually.

What would you do if someone near you was hit by a bolt of lightning?

The most important thing you can do besides calling for help is check to see if the victim is breathing and has a pulse.

FACT: a lightning strike victim DOES NOT carry an electrical charge and is safe to handle

In many cases immediate CPR is what will save the life of a lightning strike victim. If possible move the person to a safer location if one is available because lightning can strike the same place twice.

All thunderstorms have the potential to produce deadly cloud-to-ground lightning. A storm does not have to be classified as severe to be dangerous.

Learn more about lightning strike victims, including information about recovery and support, by clicking here.

Meteorologist Chris Spears writes about stories related to weather and climate in Colorado. Check out his bio, connect with him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @ChrisCBS4.